The next generation of consoles is nearly upon us and words between bosses at Microsoft and Sony have become increasingly heated. However when you cut through the hyperbole and hot air, there is one thing they clearly agree on and that is that games shift hardware. Therefore it's increasingly important that Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo secure themselves a great line up of games to their new consoles and often this can rely on bringing tried and tested franchises to the next generation. We have already heard that Halo, Killzone and Super Smash Bros are coming to next gen but their releases were guaranteed. What about other current generation franchises that have been left somewhat unloved, but with a new next-gen sheen could be the shining examples of the future of gaming that we have been looking for. Below I look at five current generation games that deserve a shot on next-generation consoles.

Honorable Mention - Metroid

'At last the Wii U was able to give Nintendo games a HD shine.'

Why should it be made?

Although it's very unlikely that a Metroid game isn't in development for the Wii U, it does desperately need one. The Metroid Prime games were some of the highest rated games on the previous generation of consoles and rightly so. At the moment the Wii U could do with a new Metroid game; an exclusive, more mature mainstream game to make the console appeal to a wider audience. Also after the slight disappointment that was Metroid Other M, the Metroid series needs to go back to what made it so successful during the Prime era. What was so great about the Metroid Prime trilogy is that it combined classic Metroidvania elements with the FPS genre to make a game that was equally taxing on both the trigger finger and grey matter. With a new high definition sparkle and re-defined gameplay elements, a new Metroid game could easily stand out as being a reason for owning a Wii U.

How should it utilise next-gen technology?

The Wii U is a very unique console and offers up interesting play styles with it's gamepad. However one criticism is that the gamepad is often just used as a glorified interactive map, but in a new Metroid game this could be very useful. Sometimes it's difficult to keep track of all the rooms you know there's secrets in but can't access them until you have the right equipment. Therefore how handy would it be to draw on a map and make your own notes? Also in the Prime trilogy you often utilised Samus' many visors. How cool would it be to use the Wii U gamepad as visor and scan your environment? This coupled with a larger open and sprawling world and we could have one of next generation's must own games.

5. Deus Ex: Human Revolution

'Give me a next-gen sequel not some mobile game with clunky controls.'

Why should it be made?

The original Deus Ex is rightly regarded as one of the greatest games of all time as it was one of the first games that offered complete choice in how you could tackle a mission. When it was announced that a sequel would be making its way to current generation consoles many were skeptical. However Deus Ex Human Revolution managed to mostly recapture the spirit of the original with it's sprawling wealth of gameplay choices and cyberpunk attitude. Barring the frustrating boss fights, any level could be tackled any way you wanted and that level of freedom was liberating. Also it had a beautiful art-style that made it stand out from the greys and browns you usually see in your typical mainstream game. The game tackled interesting issues giving it a clear identity and I believe this more mature approach to game development will be important in the next generation as gamers look beyond just visceral thrills.

How should it utilise next-gen technology?

Whilst not needing the power of next-gen to make a reality, get rid of the boss fights. They clearly went against what the rest of the game was trying to do and shouldn't be there. However one way in which a new Deus Ex could utilise next-gen technology is through creating a totally open world. Deus Ex Human Revolution had hub areas, which then went off into mission areas however how great would it be to prowl the streets of a cyberpunk future, investigating crime and delivering out justice any way you see fit. You may still need specific mission areas but include them within the same sprawling city somewhat akin to what Batman Arkham City and Far Cry 3 do. Maybe you could even visit a friend's city and investigate cyber crime together. This type of open, freedom based gameplay we'll see more and more of and what better way to demonstrate it than in one of gaming's first innovators.

4. L.A. Noire

'I believe there's more evidence in the front.'

Why should it be made?

When L.A. Noire came along it felt like a breath of fresh air. I'd played as a cop and a detective many times in a game before but never had I actually felt like one. L.A. Noire focused on the procedural nature of crime fighting rather than the actual fighting. The game was at it's best when you were searching for clues, interviewing witnesses and piecing together the truth of a crime. Along with what is still the best facial animation technology in gaming, L.A. Noire felt like a true innovator. Unfortunately as the game progressed, the gaming mechanics became more visible and formulaic but I will always remember how original it felt for the first few hours I played it. Clearly L.A. Noire had a lot of ambition, which it didn't quite realise on the current generation of consoles, which is why it deserves a shot at next-gen.

How should it utilise next-gen technology?

With next-gen technology a LA Noire sequel could realise its world better. In the the original when driving between crime scenes you couldn't help but feel that the world was a bit empty. Next-gen technology could populate it with better, smarter AI and maybe add more varied ambient events, making you feel like your policing a living breathing world. Also make the cases you take on more complex and varied, don't have them follow the same routine as before. In the original it often felt like you were being punished if you solved the crime in a way the game didn't want you to, as after awhile I was just playing cases to get the best score. With a more open and varied approach to gameplay a LA Noire sequel could build on the strong foundations of the original and create a truly unique next gen game.

3. Crackdown

'Being bitten by a radioactive flying squirrel has its advantages.'

Why should it be made?

Before Saints Row monopolised the open world on acid genre, Crackdown existed. It was one of the current generations first stand out games and for many is the best unlicensed super hero game, because that's basically what it is. Want to jump building in one leap? Check. Want to throw a truck across a street? Check. Want to launch a car into the air, bail half way and fire a rocket launcher into a crowd of enemies? Check. Crackdown lets you do all of these things and it clearly enjoys itself as much as you do. You could even invite a friend to join in the fun in what is one of the first open world multiplayer games. We see a lot of these elements in games these days, but it's important to remember that Crackdown came before them and is still highly enjoyable.

How should it utilise next-gen technology?

Crackdown was always an enjoyable sandbox game but sometimes suffered from having not much to play with in the sand bit. Therefore a next-gen sequel would have a much wider variety of vehicles, weapons and super powers. Maybe you could even customise your own set of superpowers. Talking of variety, get rid of the zombies. If you want your game to stand out, don't put zombies in it and a new Crackdown does not need zombies. Also beef-up mutliplayer, maybe it could even be an MMO or a hybrid like the recently announced GTA Online. Crackdown could clearly establish itself as unique multiplayer experience as you and your friends create your own super-powered police force and bring justice to the streets. Surely, a next-gen Crackdown would be incredibly popular and possibly another much needed exclusive for Xbox One.

2. Condemned

'What's frightening? Trying to get a signal on the underground, that's what.'

Why should it be made?

I've written about how underrated the Condemned games are before but put bluntly they are some of the most underwear staining games I've ever played. The second in the series Condemned 2: Bloodshot is the better game but the original Condemned Criminal Origins still remains the scariest of the two. Not many games have come close to the experience of walking around with only a steel pipe, not knowing when the next maniac is going to jump you. That's what makes the original so frightening, you're always under powered, giving any confrontation the potential to be pants ruining. The constant need for a fresh pair of underwear aside, the Condemned games offer a unique gaming experience which could be made even more frightening with next-gen technology.

How should it utilise next-gen technology?

For the most part all a next-gen Condemned would need to do is bring extra graphics power to it's already frightening design and focus more on the simple storytelling from the first Condemned Criminal Origins. Ditch the science fiction elements and make this all about investigating serial killers, much like the first one. Introduce more detective elements along with the sneaking around and soiling yourself gameplay. However what could be even more interesting is if the multiplayer experience seen in Condemned 2: Bloodshot was built upon. Maybe have a multiplayer mode where players are released into a Saw like maze and are pit against each other. The mazes could be randomly generated so you would never know what's around the next corner. After all the next generation of consoles could do with a muliplayer game that is more slow and methodical and doesn't have you re-spawning all the time.

1. Dishonored

'Just imagine the masks next-generation technology could render.'

Why should it be made?

Releasing a new IP at the end of a console generation's lifespan is a risky proposition, but it's one that Dishonored pulls off with an assured ease. Dishonored is a marvelous game to play and doesn't punish you for playing it how you want to. There are a numerous different ways in which to solve a problem; blink past guards unseen, knock them out with poison darts, release a swarm of rats on them or slow down time, posses an enemy and have them take each other out, the possibilities are endless. However Dishonored doesn't merely have excellent freedom driven gameplay but it also has an amazingly realised world in the form Dunwall, which is rich with history and intrigue. There's as much fun to be had uncovering the mysteries of Dishonored's world as their is in assassinating your target. This game is crying out for a next-gen sequel, it's original and offers true freedom in its gameplay, why would you not make a sequel?

How should it utilise next-gen technology?

Dishonored does a lot of things so well that is actually quite difficult to think of how to improve it. In fact a sequel that offered more of the same would probably be still very enjoyable, however this is the next generation of consoles we're talking about so we should think big. Therefore let's make Dishonored open-world, sort of like Assassin's Creed but without the invisible walls. After all Dunwall is one of gaming's most intriguing worlds, why not let us wonder around it more? Also why not add multiplayer? I'm not one for tacking on multiplayer to a game if it clearly doesn't work but such an experience for Dishonored could be interesting. Assassin's Creed managed to pull off a multiplayer experience that is both original and exciting and Dishonored could do something similar. Either way multiplayer or not, a next-gen Dishonored would be an absolute blast to play and could create the foundation for one of gaming's most interesting franchises.

So what do you think? Any other sequels you'd like to see on next generation consoles? Maybe they're are games from previous generations you'd like to see resurrected for next-gen? Let me know what you think in the comments below or tweet me @Matt_the_Marvel